About this recipe

This summery quinoa salad features sautéed green beans with sweet corn and cherry tomatoes in a simple lemon-basil dressing. Top with toasted sliced almonds (mandatory) and feta (optional)! Recipe yields 6 servings.

Instructions

1. 1

   In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water and the rinsed quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Cover the pot and set it aside.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, chop off the straggly ends of the green beans. Cut them on the bias (diagonally) into 2- to 3-inch long pieces. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a cast iron skillet over ^[medium-low heat], toast the almonds while stirring constantly until fragrant and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour them into a mixing bowl to cool, then keep the skillet handy for the next step.

4. 4

   Over ^[medium heat], warm 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil in the skillet until shimmering. Add the green beans and fine salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spotty brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Use a wooden spoon to push the green beans from the center of the skillet. Add another teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and the minced garlic cloves. Stir the garlic cloves constantly until fragrant, about 20 to 30 seconds. Stir the garlic cloves into the green beans.

6. 6

   Grab the lid to your skillet (or a baking sheet, if you don't have one) and keep it nearby. Add the medium red onion and ¼ cup water to the pan, and cover until the beans are bright green and crisp (about 2 minutes). Uncover the pan and increase the heat to ^[medium-high]. Cook until the water evaporates and the beans are lightly browned (3 to 5 minutes), then remove the pan from the heat.

7. 7

   Transfer the green beans to a big mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes and raw corn kernels. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl and pour it into the salad bowl. Toss to combine. If it doesn't taste like an end-of-summer party, add another squeeze of lemon juice for more zing, or fine salt (¼ to ½ teaspoon) for overall flavor.

8. 8

   Top the salad with toasted almonds and feta, and serve. Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

Notes

Notes Green bean cooking technique adapted from The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook. Make it vegan: Skip the feta. Make it nut free: Leave out the almonds.